Leandro Freitas: a rising MMA fighter worth backing
XKT MMA fighter ends year packed with achievements, making his instructor and family proud.
“Leandro Freitas (16) isn’t just another young fighter; he’s a South African athlete who has achieved more in one year than many manage in several,” said his mother, Anita Rodrigues.
“2025 was his first year in MMA, yet he has already stepped onto some of the biggest stages on the continent.”
In his debut year, Leandro, who trains out of XKT Brakpan, competed at the IMMAF Africa Championships in Angola, faced the country’s best at Nationals in Durban, and represented South Africa at the IMMAF World Championships in Abu Dhabi.
Despite being new to the sport, he earned silver at both Nationals and Africans, proving he belongs among the top young fighters in Africa.
Most recently, Leandro entered the YMMAC Youth MMA Championship in Alberton. Because there were no available opponents in his usual divisions, bantamweight (61.2kg) or featherweight (65.8kg), he pushed himself by moving up to lightweight (70.2kg).
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Despite facing bigger and more experienced athletes, Leandro rose to the challenge, winning gold and defeating the reigning South African champion of that division.
“This wasn’t chance or momentum. It was discipline, grit, and a hunger to grow,” Anita explained.
Now, with one explosive year behind him, Leandro is setting his sights even higher. In 2026, his goal is clear: gold at Nationals, Africans, and Worlds.
“To reach that level and continue representing South Africa with pride, he is seeking sponsors who believe in young talent and want to support a committed, disciplined athlete with true international potential,” she said.
Leandro is already a rising force in African MMA, and with the right support, he can rise even higher.
He credits his rapid progress to the guidance and support of Shaun Naude, JC Roets, Ryan Roets, and shihan Raymond Phillips. He continues to grow as an athlete and is preparing for an even stronger 2026 season.
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